In the state of Missouri there are over 900 properties operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) as “Conservation Areas”. These Conservation Areas (CAs) can be operated for a variety of purposes. Some are managed as nature reserves, some allow hunting, some allow fishing, some are primarily boat access, and some are combinations of some or all of these. If you’re considering a camping trip to a CA, it’s wise to know what the area is primarily used for and also make sure camping is allowed. For example, if you are not camping in an area for hunting purposes and will be camping during the fall deer firearms season, you may not fully enjoy your stay.
One of the areas we have used that offers a little bit of everything is the Peck Ranch Conservation Area in the Missouri Ozarks. While not representative of all CAs, it does suggest what some of the more camping friendly ones have to offer. There are two designated camping areas in Peck. One is designated for campers who will not be using generators and one for those who will. This is good for those campers who want peace and solitude without the noise of a generator blaring in the background. On the site without a generator there are also pit toilets. Both campgrounds are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. This is certainly an example of a campground where there is a lot of activity associated with the deer and turkey hunting seasons. So if you want to avoid this, avoid visiting at these times. This unique CA is over 25,000 acres in total area, about half of which is a designated wildlife area and the rest is fenced. It was once a logging operation and has a unique history as well as geographic features. Summer is a great time to visit for those looking for a place to camp away from the crowds.
Another example of a good CA for camping on the other side of the state (northern Missouri) is Union Ridge, just west of Kirksville. There, unlike most CAs, you can camp next to area parking lots. Also, in “Parking Lot N” off of County Road D, there is a campground with facilities similar to those described at Peck Ranch. Again, things can be a little hectic for non-hunters during deer season, but this area has more to offer than just hunting. While not as large as Peck Ranch (about 8,000 acres), it has about 12 acres total of lakes and fishing ponds, including Union Ridge Lake. These lakes have populations of bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish.
If you are camping in a CA and will want a campground, be aware that if there is a campground, it will only offer “primitive camping” facilities. This means you’ll have a fire ring and maybe a picnic table and/or outhouse. Having said that, some of these campgrounds are quite well maintained and in absolutely beautiful settings. Since some of these campgrounds are quite small and there is no reservation system, you may also want to be prepared to camp outside of these areas.
If you choose to camp outside of a campground in a CA, assuming this is allowed, keep in mind that you must be 100 yards from the nearest road or parking lot. Also, if you’re camping along a stream or river, camp at least 100 feet away. Also, keep in mind that under certain weather conditions, flooding or even flash flooding can be a hazard.
To find a CA that meets your needs, a little research can go a long way. Fortunately, there are two great resources to help you through this process. First, there is the MDC Conservation Atlas. This atlas is very helpful because it provides area descriptions, maps, regulations, a summary of permitted activities, and of course camping information. Most of these have downloadable maps and/or brochures with trails, campgrounds, and even directions to the area. CAs in the atlas can be searched by CA name, county, or region. This process of going back and forth from the CA to the atlas can be a bit laborious. You end up navigating back and forth between the atlas and CA pages quite a bit. The resource below can help you narrow down the possibilities.
Camping opportunities in the Missouri Conservation Areas will greatly expand the pool of camping areas available to Missouri campers. If you don’t want or need the comforts of a “fancy” private campground or one run by another government agency, these areas may be right for you.
